Police in Western Bahr el Ghazal State are investigating two separate shooting incidents that occurred in Jur River County last month, resulting in the deaths of a soldier and a civilian. According to state police spokesperson Col. Santino Oduol Mayen, the incidents are being treated with urgency, with security personnel deployed to help identify and apprehend those responsible. The police are seeking cooperation from residents in the affected areas to provide information that could help investigators track down the suspects.
The first incident occurred on October 20, when an unidentified gunman shot and killed a soldier traveling on a motorcycle taxi, commonly known as a boda-boda, towards Marial Bai town with two other passengers. The soldier, who was serving with the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) 5th Infantry Division, was shot at about 8 p.m. No arrests have been made in connection with the killing. This incident is the second such case following a similar incident in Getti last month.
The second shooting incident occurred in Roc-Roc-Dong Payam, where a civilian was killed during a confrontation reportedly triggered by an allegation of adultery. According to Oduol, the confrontation began after one person accused another of having an affair with his wife. A gun was fired during the incident, striking a civilian who was nearby. The victim died at the scene.
Police said investigations into both killings are underway, with security personnel deployed to help identify and apprehend those responsible. Oduol urged residents in the affected areas to cooperate with security forces and provide information that could help investigators track down the suspects.
Jur River County caretaker commissioner Santino Manut Akech also reported the incidents and pledged to ensure that investigations are conducted. The commissioner’s statement came earlier this week, as authorities move to address the security concerns in the area.
Oduol also reported that no road ambushes or armed robberies have been reported along the Wau-Kuajok road. Security forces have been deployed to patrol the road, and Oduol urged communities along the route to report suspicious activities. The deployment of security forces aims to enhance safety and security in the region.
The authorities have not released further details about the suspects or the motives behind the killings. However, the police have assured the public that they are working to bring those responsible to justice. The incidents have raised concerns about security in the region, and the authorities are working to address these concerns.
Key points
- Police in Western Bahr el Ghazal State investigate two separate shooting incidents in Jur River County.
- The incidents resulted in the deaths of a soldier and a civilian.
- Authorities have deployed security personnel to patrol the Wau-Kuajok road and urge communities to report suspicious activities.
